What Went Down During Joe Biden’s Inauguration

Biden seems to be walking a fine line, Sarah. He’s calling and hoping for unity, but he’s also throwing in notes that strike directly against both-sidesism. “There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit,” Biden said.

As Perry wrote, Biden may be hoping for Republican cooperation but also planning to push stuff forward without it.

To me, the bigger question is whether Biden can keep the Democratic caucuses in the Senate and House unified. Democrats can pass a lot of meat-and-potatoes legislation (COVID-19 relief, election reform, strengthening Obamacare) using Democratic votes alone (the Green New Deal, Medicare for all, etc. were never going to happen given Biden’s moderation).

Sarah, I think Biden’s background on Capitol Hill and relationships with people like soon-to-be Senate Minority Leader McConnell could enable some bits of unity and progress. But on big moves, it’s going to be like pulling teeth because of how far apart the parties are. So I don’t expect many big things to happen with bipartisan support.